Did Rodman Violate U.S. Sanctions During N. Korea Trip?

The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating whether Rodman's expensive gifts to Kim and his wife violating sanctions against North Korea.

By Collin Ruane | January 25, 2014

Dennis Rodman could be in some legal trouble after his highly-publicized trip to North Korea earlier this month.

The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating whether Rodman violated U.S. sanctions against the reclusive country during his latest trip — reportedly spending more than $10,000 on gifts for Kim Jong Un's birthday. (Via WMAQ)

As first reported by The Daily Beast, the list of gifts reportedly included: "hundreds of dollars worth of Irish Jameson whiskey, European crystal, an Italian suit, a fur coat, and an English Mulberry handbag for Kim’s wife."

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The problem is, current U.S. sanctions ban the import of luxury goods to North Korea, and there's a chance Rodman's pricey gifts might have violated those sanctions. (Via KHOU)

The news follows a string of negative reports about "The Worm" since his visit to North Korea with several other former NBA players earlier this month. (Via CBS)

Rodman had already gained a lot of attention for the birthday visit — one of four trips this year. But he got even more of attention after his outburst while talking about imprisoned American missionary Kenneth Bae during an interview with CNN.

RODMAN: "Do you understand what he did in this country? ... I don't give a rat's ass what the hell you think. I'm saying to you, look at these guys here. Look at them."

Rodman apologized for his meltdown the next day saying he had been drinking before the interview. Less than a week after coming back from North Korea, Rodman's agent said the former NBA star checked himself into rehab. (Via NBC)

ABC notes Rodman's stay in rehab is expected to last about 30 days. This comes after two failed stints in just the past five years, one of which was on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab."

The Daily Beast reports if Rodman were to get the harshest punishment possible, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.